The Vikings' decision isn't likely to quell the controversy, which has ignited a nationwide debate over violence, child discipline and when parents cross the line.

Vikings' General Manager Rick Spielman faced intense questioning from reporters as he attempted to explain the team's decision to let Peterson play.

"We are trying to do the right thing," he said. "This is a difficult path to navigate, regarding the judgment of how a parent disciplines his child," he said, adding that the team believes Peterson deserves to play while the legal process moves forward.

Vikings GM Rick SpielmanYi-Chin Lee / MPR News

The general manager said the photos of the cuts and marks on Peterson's son were "disturbing" but added "we feel strongly it's the court's decision to make" on whether Peterson's discipline "went too far."

Spielman also denied that Peterson's superstar status had anything to do with the decision to let him play as the case continues.

Peterson released a statement apologizing for the "hurt I have brought to my child," adding that "after meeting with a psychologist" he knows there are other ways to discipline a child that may be more appropriate.

"I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser," the running back added.

On Friday, Peterson's lawyer called the football star a loving father who disciplined his son with a wooden switch to deliver "the same kind of discipline with his child that he experienced as a child growing up in east Texas."

An NFL spokesman on Monday said the league and its new special adviser are reviewing Peterson's case under its the league's "personal conduct policy."

The Vikings' decision to let Peterson play stands in contrast to what happened with some other Vikings players in similar situations.

In 2011, the Vikings suspended cornerback Chris Cook with pay after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and barred him from all team activities while his trial played out. Cook wound up missing 10 games and was eventually acquitted.

He never faced discipline from the NFL and played two more seasons with the Viking before signing with the 49ers.